Blue Heron Park

This Weekend In Parks: Holiday Edition

On Saturday at 4:00 p.m., experience Christmas as it was celebrated centuries ago at the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum. View the farmhouse by the glow of “candlelight” and learn more about holiday and winter preparations in an early 19th century Manhattan farmhouse. The Dyckman Farmhouse is located at 4881 Broadway at 204th Street. This event is free, but reservations are recommended. Please call (212) 304-9422.

BronxDon’t let the holiday season pass you by without visiting the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train show! This annual family favorite returns with model trains traversing a magical landscape that features 140 replicas of New York landmarks made from plant parts. The show runs through January 11. Call (718) 817-8700 for ticketing information.

BrooklynGot cabin fever? Learn how kids kept busy during the long winter months in 19th-century Brooklyn. This was a time before video games, movies, and television helped pass the long winter days. At Lefferts Historic House, you can try your hand at needlepoint, write your New Year’s resolution with quill and ink, learn to play Nine-Man Morris, and help get the House ready for the New Year. This free event occurs each day from Friday to Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park (Flatbush Avenue at Empire Boulevard).

QueensOn Sunday, take a look back on 2008 with the Urban Park Rangers at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center. With one of the most unique jobs in the city, there’s never a dull moment for the Rangers, and they’ve captured many of their unique experiences in Queens parks on film. Enjoy this visual presentation of a year’s worth of adventures in nature and you’ll learn why they say a picture is worth a thousand words. The free retrospective begins at 1:00 p.m. Hot cocoa and coffee will be provided.

Staten IslandWhile you are busy thinking about your New Year’s resolution for 2009, come to the Blue Heron Park Preserve on Saturday to learn about the history behind making a commitment to the New Year. Where did it start? What were some of the first resolutions? You’ll be sure to make some of your own before you go! The event begins at 1:00 p.m. at Blue Heron Park (222 Poillon Avenue between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard).

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Rats. Nobody sent me a Christmas card today. I almost wish there weren’t a holiday season. I know nobody likes me. Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?”

Charlie BrownA Charlie Brown Christmas

The Daily Plant will not publish on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26. Happy Holidays!